Adjustable windshield and canopy for a boat

Abstract

A flat, single piece windshield (140) which extends across the front edge of an exposed bridge (142) and is rotatably connected thereto. The windshield (140) includes two elongated support poles (157, 159) which extend, respectively, from the top edge of the windshield (140) downwardly to connecting points along the side edges of the bridge (142). The lower ends of the support poles (157,159) are movable between a series of connecting points on a track, thereby providing a capability for the windshield (140) to be raised and lowered through a large angle relative to the bridge. A canopy (160), which includes lateral (186-189) four side support assemblies (172,174), a top cover and side covers. The canopy (160) may be nested in a stowed position at the rear of the bridge when desired.

I claim: 
     
       1. An adjustable windshield, adapted for use with a boat having an exposed area, the exposed area having a forward edge and two rearwardly extending side edges, comprising: a transparent windshield element, having top and bottom edges, the windshield element being sufficiently wide to extend substantially across the exposed area;   means movably and directly connecting the bottom edge of the windshield element in the vicinity of the forward edge of the exposed area, such that the windshield element moves about the connecting means at the forward edge of the exposed area between a first, raised position in which the windshield element functions as a windshield and a second position which is substantially angularly removed from the first position;   elongated support means which are rotatably connected at one end thereof to the windshield element; and   means connecting the other end of the elongated support means to the exposed area in the vicinity of the side edges thereof in such a manner that the windshield element may be supported in various angular positions.   
     
     
       2. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exposed area is an exposed bridge. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the windshield element is a single piece. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus of claim 1, wherein the other end of the elongated support means is connectable at selected locations along the side edges of the exposed area. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus of claim 4, wherein said elongated support means comprises two support poles positioned at opposite sides of said windshield element, wherein the support poles are connected to the windshield element at opposing ends of the top edge thereof. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus of claim 1, including a canopy system which includes a plurality of elongated lateral frame elements for supporting a cover member and a plurality of side support assemblies extending between the lateral frame elements and the side edges of the exposed area, wherein the side support assemblies are so constructed and are so connected to the lateral frame, elements and the side edges of the exposed area by means of removable pins and rotatable connection elements that the canopy may be moved between a fully operative forward position wherein the canopy extends from the vicinity of the top edge of the windshield element rearwardly of the exposed area a substantial distance and a stowed position at the rear of the exposed area, in which position the exposed area is substantially completely exposed.